World Cup 2026 news: Norway shock Brazil as Erling Haaland delivers knockout masterclass

Erling Haaland produced the defining performance of his international career on Sunday, July 5, scoring twice in the closing stages to fire Norway to a stunning 2-1 victory over Brazil in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 at MetLife Stadium.

The Manchester City striker struck in the 79th and 90th minutes to eliminate the five-time world champions.

Neymar's stoppage-time penalty proved little more than a consolation as Norway booked a historic quarter-final meeting with England.

Haaland delivers when it mattered most

For much of the contest, Brazil appeared to be edging towards another World Cup quarter-final.

Norway remained disciplined defensively and frustrated one of the tournament favourites before Haaland produced two moments of world-class finishing inside the final 11 minutes.

His opening goal arrived after timing his movement perfectly to beat Brazil's defence before adding a second late on to put the result beyond doubt.

Although Neymar converted a penalty deep into stoppage time after Bruno Guimarães had earlier missed from the spot, Brazil could not find another response as Norway completed one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.

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Neville: Haaland has answered the critics

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville believes Haaland has now silenced suggestions that he had yet to prove himself on football's biggest international stage.

"Sometimes you say with these players that they've never done it on the world stage,” Neville said. “That argument has been removed with Haaland."

Neville also criticised Brazil defender Gabriel for allowing the Norwegian striker too much space during the decisive moment.

"He knows that forward better than anyone. For him to stay five yards off him and go for a straight race on a header, it's crazy.

"But he's the best at that, Haaland. Once he runs at you and gets a run on you, you're dead," Neville added.

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A remarkable scoring run continues

Haaland's latest heroics added yet another chapter to an extraordinary run in a Norway shirt.

The 24-year-old has now scored in 14 consecutive competitive internationals, registering 27 goals during that sequence.

He has also become:

The first Norway player to score twice in a knockout match at a major international tournament.

Norway's all-time leading international scorer with 62 goals in just 54 appearances.

A central figure behind Norway reaching the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in the modern era.

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Norway's dream continues

While Haaland deservedly claimed the headlines, Norway's victory was built on much more than individual brilliance.

Their disciplined defensive organisation frustrated Brazil for long periods before capitalising on the opportunities that arrived late in the contest.

Having already rested key players against France in the group stage to prioritise the knockout rounds, Norway's long-term tournament planning now appears fully justified.

That calculated decision has culminated in one of the nation's greatest footballing achievements.

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England await

Norway's reward is a blockbuster quarter-final against England.

With Haaland in the form of his life and confidence continuing to grow throughout the tournament, Norway will believe they are capable of causing another major upset.

Brazil, meanwhile, leave the competition earlier than expected, while Haaland's reputation on the international stage has reached an entirely new level after a performance that will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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